What is lucid dreaming?

Lucid Dreaming is basically dreaming and being fully aware that you are dreaming.
During the process, you can control your dream to a certain extent. The earliest knowledge of the phenomenon was found in the writings of the ancient Greek. Lucid Dreaming happens during the REM state of sleep. REM is the deep sleep state and this is when dreams happen.

Why should I even try it?

Lucid Dreaming is also a form of therapy.
People who are known to suffer from constant nightmares are suggested to practice lucid dreaming. Mastering the techniques helps them in gaining awareness about their nightmares and reduces the distress when having such episodes.

Many artists practice lucid dreaming for creative ideas and problem-solving.
However, to reach this level of mastery takes a lot of time. Lucid dreaming can also be used by anyone for self-introspection and as a form of meditation.

If you have a crippling fear of spiders, you could give lucid dreaming a try to get rid of it.

How do you go on about it?

#1. Follow a sleep schedule

Maintain a regular sleep routine makes your body accustomed to the timings. Your body clock regularises and you enter into the dream stage of the sleep more often.

#2. Keep a dream journal

Recollecting dreams is a major part of lucid dreaming. Keep a pocket notebook by your bedside, everytime you remember a dream when you wake up, you can note it down.

#3. Wake up earlier than usual

Most dreams often happen early morning. The reason why most of us don’t remember our dreams is because we have already passed that stage and have woken up. When you wake up in the middle of it, chances are you will remember the dreams more lucidly.

#4. Do reality checks when you go to sleep and wake up

Okay, this sounds too much like inception, but there is logic to it.
When the dreams seem too real for good, these reality checks come in use. These tests could include randomly reading something on your phone or even trying some basic exercise that defies the laws of physics.

#5. Tools to help you dream better

Drink a hot mug of chamomile tea before sleep, it will soothe your mind into relaxing a sleep phase. Meditation also helps you to become mindful.

If none of this is working out for you, try music. There is music specifically composed for lucid dreaming that will help you keep track of your dreams.

Will I die if I died in my dreams?

No. Lucid dreaming is pretty harmless.

However, if you are newbie, take cautions. The stage where you don’t know if you are dreaming or you are awake can be tricky. There are rare chances of sleep paralysis, this happens when you are in a stage between wakefulness and dreaming and can’t move your body.